Almost a year ago, the Marysville City Council was ready to ban personal fireworks.

Every year people write, email and phone the mayor and council members, complaining about fireworks. It seemed that the majority of residents were against them.

The city found out this past year that was not true. A hint might have been the many homes that set off fireworks each July 4.

But those people didn’t speak up until their opinions were sought first in the Marysville Globe and then online in a city survey. While the vote was close, those in favor of fireworks edged out those against.

Because of the survey, the city is back at square one, trying to figure out how to limit fireworks problems. Because the issue is so divisive and so close, it’s a no-win situation for the city.

If it banned fireworks, it would be taking away people’s freedom and a way for some nonprofits to make money. If it didn’t ban fireworks, there still is the risk of injury and fires.

What makes this city’s situation so tough is the Tulalip reservation sells illegal fireworks nearby. If legal fireworks are banned, people likely will go there to buy them anyway. That has happened in other towns that banned fireworks but have reservations nearby. Some have ended up rescinding their bans.

Many cities that ban fireworks put on public displays. Marysville has said it doesn’t want that. It has a fireworks show just weeks before during the Strawberry Festival. When city displays have been tried before they didn’t work. And there isn’t an area big enough for such a show, city officials say.

People have a right to complain when people shoot off fireworks before and after the Fourth. That’s the only day law allows it. Police should do what they can to find those people and fine them. Police should be especially tough on people who drink alcohol and use fireworks.

The council still is looking for a compromise to satisfy those who complain.

One idea might be to consider something done for years in Auburn, which is adjacent to the Muckleshoot Reservation. It allows fireworks, but they are limited. “If it goes up or blows up, it’s illegal in Auburn,” its website says. While that makes some fireworks illegal that are legal statewide, it does make it easier for police to enforce the law and find violators because if they see it in the air, hear an explosion or receive a complaint a citation can be issued.